If you crave a hearty, cheesy, and soul-soothing dinner, the Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake will absolutely win your heart. It’s a super satisfying blend of tender chicken, smoky turkey, and three gooey cheeses tossed with pasta in a creamy sauce, all baked until gloriously golden and bubbly. Every forkful delivers comfort food magic—perfect for family nights, potlucks, or anytime you want a dinner that truly feels like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how simple yet impactful the ingredients are—each one brings something special to the final pasta bake. From the savory smoked turkey to the triple cheese blend, your taste buds are in for a treat!
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini): These shapes hold the creamy sauce perfectly and bake beautifully without getting mushy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of richness and helps soften the onions for extra flavor.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Gives sweetness and complexity as the flavor base for the casserole.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for aroma and that classic comforting taste.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Brings protein and heartiness; rotisserie chicken makes it super quick.
- Chopped smoked turkey (1 cup): Adds a deliciously unique smoky flavor that sets this bake apart.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): The secret to creamy, craveable sauce with minimal effort.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Gives the casserole its signature tang and unbeatable silkiness.
- Milk (½ cup): Loosens the sauce just enough to evenly coat all the pasta.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Doubles down the garlicky goodness without overpowering.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For depth and the perfect hint of spice.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Infuses a gentle warmth while adding lovely color to your bake.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): The melty star of the show—always opt for sharp for extra flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Adds beautiful stretch and creaminess to the cheesy topping.
- Grated Parmesan (¼ cup): Finishes the top with a salty, savory layer that browns perfectly in the oven.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish to awaken the final dish.
How to Make Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your baking dish a light mist of nonstick spray or olive oil. This step guarantees an easy release and helps those cheesy edges crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta just until al dente, following the package directions. You want slightly firm noodles—they’ll soak up the sauce as they bake. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet set over medium heat, swirl in your olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often until soft and fragrant. Drop in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another 30 seconds, just until aromatic, then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce and Filling
Grab a spacious mixing bowl and stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and half of your shredded cheddar. Now add your cooked pasta, chicken, smoked turkey, and the sautéed onions and garlic. Mix everything until you have a decadent, evenly coated jumble of ingredients.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Spoon the cheesy mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, followed by mozzarella and a generous dousing of Parmesan. This is where the irresistible, bubbling cheese top comes from!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop the dish into your hot oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbling, and the aroma is impossible to resist. Let everything rest for five minutes out of the oven before serving, then finish with a shower of chopped parsley if you like.
How to Serve Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens up each serving, balancing the rich flavors with a hint of green freshness. For even more color, try scattering a few slices of fresh green onion or a pinch of smoked paprika for eye-catching contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole is truly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables gives the meal a refreshing, lighter edge. Crusty garlic bread is also a dream to help scoop up every bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, serve the Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron pans. This not only looks adorable but also ensures everyone gets those coveted crispy edges. For weeknight dinners, keep it classic with hearty family-style portions straight from the baking dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator. Just let it cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 3–4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for later, assemble the casserole fully but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed until hot and bubbling through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until piping hot and the cheese is remelted—this preserves the perfect texture. You can also warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick, cozy lunch.
FAQs
Can I use only chicken or only turkey instead of both?
Absolutely! Feel free to use just chicken, just smoked turkey, or even ground turkey if you prefer. The real charm comes from the blend, but the dish is still delicious with just one protein.
Can I make Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, this bake is a dream to make ahead! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven for freshly baked goodness.
Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?
Gluten-free pasta can be swapped in easily! Just be sure to cook it until barely al dente so it doesn’t become too soft after baking.
What cheeses can I use if I don’t have cheddar or mozzarella?
You’re free to experiment! Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Colby Jack all melt nicely and give a fresh twist on the original, while a bit of smoked Gouda can echo the turkey’s flavor beautifully.
Can I add vegetables to the Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake?
Definitely—fold in steamed broccoli, peas, or baby spinach for an extra hit of color (and nutrition). Vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms also work well and complement the smoky and cheesy notes.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into this Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake—you truly can’t go wrong with all that creamy, cheesy, smoky goodness. Gather your family, scoop out a generous serving, and get ready to savor the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Crazy Good Casserole. A cheesy, creamy dish loaded with chicken, smoked turkey, and pasta, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Chicken and Turkey Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup chopped smoked turkey
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook pasta, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, cook onion until softened, add garlic, cook briefly, then remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, spices, half of cheddar cheese, pasta, chicken, turkey, onion, and garlic.
- Bake: Pour mixture into dish, top with remaining cheeses, bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- For added heat, stir in crushed red pepper or jalapeños.
- Perfect for using up leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
